2020 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon


Nose:  A nutty nose with a spiciness that singes the nose slightly. After the second or third whiff, there appears to be a slight earthiness with something the reminds me of a cup of tea – Oolong to be precise.   

Palate:  The front offers an oakiness tannic flavor similar to the 2019 expression. In a recent tasting of the 2019 Birthday Bourbon (opened for about a year), the oakiness was extensive – I had thought it was due to the duration of how long it was open, but it appears not.  Bourbon, over time, tends to approach what some call “atrophy.” I think of this “atrophy” as oakiness, sometimes it overwhelms, but other times, it changes to a uniqueness that I quite like.  A purist would say that you need to decant it into a sample jar without headspace for air to prevent it from significantly changing; I quite like things to naturally progress rather than holding on and preventing it from becoming what it may be.  "When we are open to things, all possibilities exist. When we demand an outcome, no other possibilities may exist."

Oaky bourbon takes quite a bit to appreciate – not for everyone.  On the second sip, sweetness intermingles with the oakiness to offer more balance of flavor. The third sip offers a lot more heat that warms with that familiar Kentucky hug and a slight numbing feeling that carries on until the finish. The aftertaste is a little muted and powdery.

Verdict: In line with the previous expressions of Birthday Bourbon.  Good pour with the slight brisk fall weather to start the football season – George Brown, thank you for allowing us to always remember you.  September is a great month – bourbon heritage month always is.  

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